Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Gov. Christie Stumps for Gov. Branstad in Burlington

Jason Parrott
/
Tri States Public Radio

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie fired up supporters of his friend, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, during a stop in Burlington Thursday night.

Christie told the crowd of about 200 that Branstad is someone he greatly admires.

"This is not someone who is running for this job because he wants the title," said Christie. "This is someone who is running for this job because he has a vision for what he wants Iowa to become and he wants to be part of making that happen. He wants to lead the people of Iowa and if that is not inspiring, I don't know what is."

Christie took the stage around 8:00 p.m. Thursday after stumping for candidates in Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.

Credit Jason Parrott / Tri States Public Radio
/
Tri States Public Radio
IA Gov. Terry Branstad works the crowd prior to taking the stage with NJ Gov. Chris Christie in Burlington

The late hour and extensive travel did not stop him from getting worked up over Branstad and his campaign.

Christie recalled the first time Branstad asked him to come to Iowa and join him on the campaign trail in 2010.

"That's like if you are a baseball fan and Mickey Mantle calls and says, 'would you come take batting practice with me?'" said Christie. "You get to come out and do this in Iowa with Terry Branstad. What else could you ask for?  I could have flown out here without an airplane."

Christie told the crowd it was not just about a victory for Branstad, it is about a "big, fat blowout win" on Tuesday, November 4th.

Credit Jason Parrott / Tri States Public Radio
/
Tri States Public Radio
NJ Gov. Chris Christie spent more than 30 minutes shaking hands and posing for pictures after the event in Burlington.

Christie was the closer for the event, following speeches by Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds, and Congressional Candidate Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

Branstad used his time on stage to tout his plan to reduce commercial property taxes, his efforts to get Iowa's financial house in order, and his work to bring jobs to Southeast Iowa.

Kim Reynolds spoke about how Iowa is moving in the right direction because of the current administration while Mariannette Miller-Meeks' speech focused on her family and her passion to serve Iowa's Second Congressional District.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.